NEPAL
Opposition MPs are calling for action against Public Servants who drink alcohol at work saying the presence of tipsy officials in Government offices is affecting service delivery and creating problems for the general public.
The lawmakers said a proposed Federal Civil Servants Bill simply stated that employees who consumed liquor during office hours be given a warning, and this was not adequate.
They have recommended two types of punishment based on the severity of the offence: Dismissal but with eligibility to seek Government jobs in the future, or sacking and a lifetime ban from the Public Service.
Heavy drinking is common in many Government offices outside the capital, Kathmandu, with Nepal Communist Party lawmaker, Jhapat Rawal saying it was not in the interest of general public to be served by drunken officials.
“Those officials must face stringent action,” Mr Rawal said.
Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Lal Babu Pandit (pictured) said the provisions in the Bill were aimed at maintaining discipline in the Public Service.
“The law is being made to make the Civil Servants more disciplined and responsible so that they will not repeat mistakes,” Mr Pandit said.
“Those given authority to take action against the erring employees were found not exercising that authority. However, the law should be clear that none will be punished in an unjust manner.”
Kathmandu, 28 July, 2019
